From local perturbation theory to Hopf and Lie algebras of Feynman graphs (Q5945520)

In this paper the authors review their work on perturbative quantum field theory and renormalization in a non-technical fashion. After an introduction which lists the main ingrediences and a motivation drawn from hydrodynamics the Hopf algebraic machinery is described. The Hopf algebra of (Feynman) graphs, extraction of pole parts etc. are related to the Riemann-Hilbert problem. This culminates in the fact that the Birkhoff decomposition of loops recodes renormalization and gives rise to a translation: algebra-geometry versus physical language. The relation between renormalization group and formal diffeomorphisms is explored and the existence of a complex line bundle is shown which provides the space where local counter terms live.